Exe Catchment Fisheries Officer

Exe Catchment Fisheries Officer – Job Description

The Exe Catchment Fisheries Officer position sits within the River & Fisheries team at Westcountry Rivers Trust (WRT). The role is funded through donations from the River Exe and Tributaries Association (RETA) and South West Water (SWW). The primary focus is the delivery of the Strategic Exe Weirs (SEW) project, which aims to deliver bespoke fish passage improvements at multiple weirs on the River Exe and to support river habitat improvements. The SEW project partnership includes RETA, the Environment Agency, and Westcountry Rivers Trust. The goal is to enable free migration in wider flow windows to counter climate change effects, enhance ecological health of the River Exe, and contribute towards the national Salmon Five-Point Approach. Alongside SEW, the role will work on other catchment deliverables and identify funding opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver the Strategic Exe Weirs project to achieve fisheries objectives and deliver riparian habitat enhancements and fish migration improvements.
• Undertake fieldwork surveys and office-based reporting to assess and convey the status of fisheries in the area.
• Conduct water-based ecological survey work (e.g., assessment of obstacles to fish migration, electrofishing, fish habitat walkover surveys).
• Manage habitat improvement works.
• Liaise with external stakeholders and project partners; build positive relationships and liaise regularly with colleagues and external partners or organisations.
• Undertake work-based activities independently.
• Contract management and procurement; closely work with appointed contractors. Some experience of habitat improvement works is desirable for implementing river improvements to aid fisheries.
• Organise administration and site-specific activities and report on activities to provide relevant management information.
• Public speaking at educational events or project meetings.
• Organise promotional events, educational events, workshops, and on-site work.
• Research and interpretation of ecological works including data searches, report writing, and data analysis.
• Work closely with contractors and sub-contractors to deliver river improvement outputs.
• Develop or lead a technical specialism within the River and Fisheries team.
• Maintain and develop a contacts database for catchments and sub-catchments.
• Attend formal and informal training and develop relevant knowledge and skills (CPD) as appropriate.
• May be assigned to commercial projects or other catchment projects as required and may carry out other duties commensurate with the level of the role.
• Training will be provided for specific survey techniques; lone working may be required.
• Site visits around the catchment will be necessary.
• Ensure the project\’s aims and objectives are delivered to a high standard, upholding WRT\’s reputation.
• Project management and budget management.
• Line management may be required.
• Seek and win funding to deliver project objectives.
• Organise, lead and attend events, meetings, workshops, and dissemination of material and minutes.
• Prepare essential project-related paperwork and drafting of reports and collation of material and data.
• Continuously develop and improve project administration processes to ensure they are fit for purpose.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of information relating to WRT and its employees and comply with UK GDPR.

Qualifications / Skills and Competencies

• Fisheries expertise and experience.
• Demonstrable experience and knowledge of freshwater fisheries, water quality, water resources, or Water Environment Regulations (Water Framework Directive) management.
• A proactive approach with the ability to use initiative and problem solve.
• Demonstrable experience of working with MS Office suite, especially Word and Excel.
• Evidence of keeping abreast of current best practice and legislation.
• Experience or working knowledge in conservation or environmental sectors.
• Experience of fish passage design – (D).
• Experience of working with project financial information – (D).
• Knowledge of the Exe catchment or West Country rivers – (D).
• The ability to manage your own workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work as part of a team.
• A degree in conservation or ecology or a relevant degree-equivalent vocational qualification will be considered if highly relevant to the position.

About Westcountry Rivers Trust and Benefits

Westcountry Rivers Trust is an environmental charity established in 1995 to preserve, protect, develop and improve the region\\\’s watercourses, while educating people about the value of this natural resource. The Trust works with a wide range of stakeholders to restore and protect rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal areas for the benefit of people, wildlife and the local economy. The Trust employs around 75 staff and runs multi-annual projects funded by various funders. The Exe Catchment Fisheries Officer role is a permanent contract after a successful 6-month probation period. Salary for this role is £30,800.00 – £34,900.00 per annum (dependent on experience). Location is Stoke Climsland with hybrid working and regular travel to sites across the delivery area.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with long-service rewards (up to 30 days)
• Additional leave during the Christmas period
• Westcountry Rivers Trust contributes 9% of salary to a personal pension, plus Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Hybrid & Flexible Working